AFL 2024: ‘Magnificent’ Rory Lobb praised by Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge for defensive prowess

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says Rory Lobb’s spot in the team should no longer be questioned after his defensive heroics helped spark an emphatic victory over Geelong.

Beveridge called the win – the Bulldogs’ second in a row over a top four side – a “pretty special night” and credited Lobb with “raising the bar” for his side’s defensive system.

In only his fourth game as a defender, the 31-year-old had a career-high 21 disposals and took nine marks as he held Jeremy Cameron to a solitary goal at GMHBA Stadium.

“(Lobb) looks a natural (defender) … it’s been so difficult at times when he hasn’t been in the team, because as I’ve said he’s too good a player, he’s too good a professional and he’s too good a human being,” Beveridge said.

“It doesn’t always count for much at selection sometimes, but I’m just really rapt that what he’s doing means his spot in the team – if he’s fit – shouldn’t be questioned.

“We’ve found a way forward with him, and I love the fact that he’s got peace of mind, not just in his footy and in his professional life, but just in general.”

Beveridge also praised Buku Khamis, Taylor Duryea and first-year Bulldog Nick Coffield for their strong performances in a backline still to regain Liam Jones from a knee injury.

“(Lobb) and Buku were just impenetrable. It was a telling key back performance. (Lobb) was just quite magnificent really,” he said.

“Rory’s made a difference – it’s gone to a better level, he’s raised the bar a little bit, so that’s promising.

“I thought we had some outstanding performances but everyone was really complicit and important in the win, so that’s the thing that always encourages me and our coaches.

“You walk away, and everyone’s driving back down the highway feeling like they had a major contribution to a pretty special night.”

Beveridge said Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (four goals) was thriving with a slightly adjusted role involving more time up the ground, as he combined well with Aaron Naughton and Sam Darcy despite a lack of football together for the trio since Naughton’s knee injury two months ago.

“We probably spun those guys a bit more than we usually do because of the conditions and the pressure game we were after,” Beveridge said of the trio.

“I think they’ll all be better next week, Jamarra … you can tell his chase, his want to tackle is there, and that really helps us … and it was great to see him get some reward in the last quarter as far as hitting the scoreboard.

“Other than the Port Adelaide game, we’ve been pretty consistent. I think tonight some of the individuals (had) growth … that’s not always linear, next week’s another challenge, but there’s no doubt some of the lads who haven’t necessarily won their positions emphatically over the journey, are gaining confidence that they can against some of the best.”